Shell to 35.0 mm in length, elongate-ovate to fusiform-elongate, teleoconch of 7-9 weakly convex to angulate whorls, protoconch of 3-3.2 glassy-white embryonic whorls; early spire whorls with 3 narrow, flat cords which are separated by punctate spiral grooves, on last 3 whorls interspaces widen and spiral cords become elevated and angulate to a lesser or greater degree and number 3-5 on the penultimate and 11-15 on the body whorl in addition to 3-5 oblique cords on the siphonal fasciole; the sutural spiral cord is always small, whereas the second anterior spiral cord is usually considerably larger; interspaces are usually concave, axially striate and sometimes contain a low and weak intermediate spiral cord. Aperture longer than the spire, smooth within, columella narrowly calloused and with 5-6 oblique folds, siphonal notch distinct, siphonal canal straight. White in color, body whorl usually with an interrupted, broad, reddish-brown central band, body whorl suture with a few larger reddish-brown spots, spiral cords always with laterally elongate orange-brown to reddish-brown spots, aperture porcellaneous-white.

This is an easily recognized species which is very variable in form ranging from broad individuals with prominantly elevated spiral cords to slender specimens with subdued spirals.

Range - From the Red Sea to China, Japan and the Marquesas Islands.